In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s energy sector, President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Engr. Saidu Mohammed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The announcement came on Sunday, May 10, 2026, while Mohammed was in Berlin leading a high-powered delegation to the Pipeline Technology Conference (PTC). Ironically, just two hours before his sack was made public, the NMDPRA’s official social media handle had posted photos of Mohammed representing Nigeria at the global event.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the leadership change, stating that Rabiu Abdullahi Umar will take over effective immediately.

A SHORT-LIVED TENURE

Saidu Mohammed’s stint at the helm of the NMDPRA lasted only five months. He was appointed in December 2025 following the sudden resignation of Farouk Ahmed, who exited after a highly publicized friction with the Dangote Group over regulatory hurdles and fraud allegations.

To take the job, Mohammed had famously withdrawn his decision to join the board of Seplat Energy as an independent director. His swift removal now leaves the regulator in a state of flux at a time when Nigeria is pushing for increased energy security and refinery self-sufficiency.

THE "FOREIGN SACK" PATTERN

Political analysts have noted a recurring trend in the Tinubu administration’s handling of energy officials. This incident mirrors the November 2025 removal of Ogbonnaya Orji from NEITI, who was also dismissed while on an official trip abroad.

While the Presidency thanked Mohammed for his "dedicated service," the sudden nature of the replacement suggests a shift in the administration's regulatory strategy.

“President Tinubu is committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security and sustainable economic growth.” — Bayo Onanuga.

 

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